Work has begun on a £15 million world-class coach station in Birmingham.

The National Express development at Digbeth, which will include a spacious and airy concourse as well as electronic passenger information screens, is set to transform the city’s transport infrastructure.

The digging of the first sod on site was carried out by Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson and National Express chief executive Ray O’Toole welcomed the move.

He said: “This ceremony represents a milestone in providing Birmingham with the first class coach station it deserves.

“It will support public transport in the city and add significantly to the economic development of the area.

“Our major investment in National Express’ home city will greatly improve the experience of coach travel for our customers.

“We are working very well with our partners, including Birmingham City Council, and are looking forward to our vision becoming a reality.”

The station has been designed by SBS architects in partnership with National Express and the city council to complement regeneration plans for Digbeth, Eastside and the Irish Quarter.

National Express is currently using a temporary coach station on the site of the former Volkswagen showroom in Oxford Street, on the other side of Digbeth High Street.